FAQ

Why Oorvani Foundation?

Function as an independent, non-profit newsroom that develops public interest journalism characterised by depth, perspective and proportion.

Facilitate citizens learning and connecting.

Ensure a media that can intervene and set the terms of debate and discourse in a sphere dominated by commercial media, driven by advertising, commercial interests, ideology and/or partisan political interests alone.

How do we ensure our journalism is non-partisan?

Non-partisan to us means this: While doing reporting, we do not favour the views or candidates of any political party for the sake of it, or a political faction within a party.

First, we have a clear editorial mandate and policy. This editorial policy is a system for ensuring independence from faction. For instance if any of our own directors or trustees are involved in work relating to an issue or topic of an inquiry, that individual will recuse themselves from any editorial oversight process for that inquiry.

This system guides our work and will ensure the editorial team does not get influenced by partisan interests during reporting and editorial review of reports.

Also, this does not mean we will not carry opinion that will argue for or against positions that are taken by one party or other from time to time. We may also in our official editorials endorse a candidate if we feel his or her credentials are above the rest of the contestants in a race.

Second, the broad thrust of our editorial policy is liberal. This means as a media organisation our cultural values are liberal. Our public policy editorials will argue for more support for the under-privileged than less. And so forth.

What do you mean by public funded?

This work – the journalism, the data gathering, and civic engagement, is supported by grants and reader funding only.

What’s in it for me, if you do not have any articles about my city?

Every city is going through the same growth pangs. Poor quality of roads, garbage not being picked up, lack of dependable piped water supply, the traffic, schooling, challenges of opening a small business, and more — are our common pain points.

There is much to learn from in-depth analysis of these challenges and how other cities are dealing with them. You will find ideas to adopt in your own city and resources to help you do those.

And even more importantly, you are the voice of your city – write articles exploring the challenges and what you’d like to see happen in your city. You can also contribute data or even share video stories. That’s how we can together build a civic ecosystem across India and push for better cities! Click here for more.

Media is not really trustworthy nowadays. What makes you different?

We are not dependent on businesses for ad revenues that could constrain our editorial coverage. We are not funded by media moguls or politicians with vested interests. This work is funded primarily by a large number of lay citizens like you, plus gets some support from some HNIs and a few institutional grants for reporting fellowship. We are not dependent on any single external donor to contribute the bulk of our funds.

Having such a large pool of donors makes you all stakeholders in quality public interest journalism and makes the journalism accountable to only you, the reader and citizen. We are completely transparent – you can see all our annual reports and list of donors.

In addition, we have a very strong set of editorial guidelines and code of conduct that we are committed to.

Why non profit?

Media business models are facing challenges over the world. In particular, public interest journalism, data gathering and civic engagement that focuses on a specific niche, is hard to monetise sustainably and without compromising our independence.

Our focus is on impact, and our commitment is to citizen interest. This objective can only be fulfilled by a public funded media, in the current scenario.

We did not adopt other options like a subscriber model because we want the articles and data to reach as many citizens as who will find it useful. We do not want to limit it to a few readers who can afford to pay. The real impact comes when we are all share the same worldview and goals for better cities even as we get involved in our own individual ways.

How can I help?

Please spread the word about our work. You can also volunteer to help with translations, data cleanups etc. Mail us at foundation@oorvani.in

How much should I donate?

Any amount you are comfortable to donate. Every rupee matters. An average article costs between Rs 5000-10,000, and investigative / long form can cost upwards Rs 20,000. We urge you to become a Sustaining Member i.e commit a monthly recurring contribution that is affordable, convenient. It also helps us plan our work better!

Rs 5000 one time – covers the cost of a basic report.

Rs 1000 monthly or Rs 12,000 per annum – covers the cost of a short video.

Rs 2000 monthly or Rs 24,000 per annum – covers the cost of a long-form or investigative report.

Or an amount of your choice.

Can I donate from abroad?

We can accept money ONLY from Indian citizens. If you are an Indian citizen but living abroad, we request you to donate through your Indian bank account for easier logistics.

What payment options are there for monthly recurring payment?

Only Visa and Mastercard credit card options are available. Your card will be charged every month on the same date.

What if I prefer netbanking or debit card?

If you are making a one-time donation (with recurring option turned off), you will get the option to pay through credit card, debit card or net banking.

What do I do if, after becoming a monthly donor, I want to stop donating?

We have not got our FCRA clearance yet, and can therefore accept contributions from Indian citizens residing in India only. If you are an Indian citizen but living abroad, we request you to donate through your Indian bank account for easier logistics.

Oorvani Foundation is a non profit trust that develops and promotes deep-diving journalism on governance, citizenship and society.
Our core work is on open knowledge platforms that helps catalyse better cities.